World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah Visit Zimbabwe to Support 2027 World Cup Preparations

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah have arrived in Zimbabwe for a high-profile diplomatic and sporting visit scheduled from August 23 to 27, 2025. This historic mission comes as Zimbabwe’s national team, the Sables, prepares for its first Rugby World Cup appearance since 1991, having successfully qualified for the 2027 tournament in Australia. The visit underscores the growing prominence of Zimbabwean rugby on the global stage and marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s development within the Southern African region.

Accompanied by World Rugby’s Chief of International Federations, David Carrigy, the delegation is set to engage in a series of strategic meetings with senior government officials and key rugby stakeholders. The discussions are expected to center on the Sables' preparations for the 2027 showpiece, with a heavy emphasis on player welfare, high-performance training structures, and robust governance. By aligning the Zimbabwe Rugby Union with international standards, the visit aims to ensure that the national team is equipped with the necessary professional systems to compete effectively against the world’s elite programs.

For Brett Robinson, the visit holds personal significance as he previously played rugby in Zimbabwe, providing him with a unique perspective on the country’s sporting heritage. Robinson has lauded Zimbabwe's recent progress, noting that their participation in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup provided invaluable experience against established international sides. Both Robinson and Herbert Mensah have emphasized that the momentum generated by World Cup qualification must be harnessed to build a sustainable ecosystem for the sport, focusing on grassroots growth and long-term development strategies that extend far beyond the 2027 tournament.

As Zimbabwe looks toward its return to the global stage, this visit serves as a catalyst for strengthening the country’s rugby infrastructure. The collaboration between World Rugby, Rugby Africa, and local authorities highlights a shared commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the visibility of African rugby. With the support of these global leaders, Zimbabwe is positioned not just to participate in the upcoming World Cup, but to establish itself as a consistent and competitive force in international rugby, inspiring a new generation of players across the continent.